"General," he went on, "you evidently know nothing of the events that have occurred during the last four and twenty hours."
"How could I know anything? These demons of insurgents have organised Guerillas, who hold the country and so thoroughly intercept the communications, that out of twenty spies I have sent out, not one has returned."
"And not one will return, be assured."
"What is to be done, then?"
"Do you really wish for my advice, General?"
"On my honour, I desire to know your real opinion; for you are the only one among us, I fancy, who really knows what is going on."
"I am aware of it. Listen to me, then, and do not feel astonished at anything you may hear, for all is positively true. The information I am about to have the honour of communicating to you was given me, by the Jaguar himself, scarce three hours back, at the Salto del Frayle, whither he invited me to come to converse about some matters in no way connected with politics."
"Very good," the General remarked, with a slight smile. "Go on, I am listening to you with the deepest attention."
The Colonel felt himself blush under his chief's slightly ironical smile; still he recovered himself, and continued—
"In two words, this is our position: while a few bold men, aided by a privateer brig under the American flag, carried by surprise the Libertad—"